Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on Monday for the opening of a humanitarian corridor to Gaza, stating that urgent assistance is needed to address the deteriorating situation in the territory, which has a population of 2.3 million.

Trudeau made his remarks after diplomatic efforts to deliver aid to Gaza failed.

He stated, “Canada calls for unhindered humanitarian access and the opening of a humanitarian corridor so that essential supplies like food, fuel, and water can reach civilians in Gaza. It is essential that this happens.”

He added before the House of Commons that Canada fully supports Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law, but “even wars have rules.”

He continued, “Terrorism is always indefensible, and there is nothing that can justify Hamas's terrorist acts... Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people nor their legitimate aspirations.”

Earlier on Monday, Ottawa said that Canadians in Lebanon should consider leaving if possible due to the increasing security risks in the region.

Canada is using two military aircraft to transport individuals in need of assistance to leave Israel by air. The first group of Canadians safely crossed from the West Bank to Jordan, and there are also about 300 people in Gaza that Canada is seeking to evacuate through the Rafah border crossing to Egypt.

Five Canadians were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel, while three remain missing.